Imported Vehicle Registration: Registering a Foreign Vehicle in France

⚠️ Warning: Registering an imported vehicle is a complex procedure. Some approved professionals do not handle this type of request. At Cartegrisefrancaise.fr, we assist you with all your import procedures.

🎯 Get Your Imported Vehicle Registration

Our team of import specialists handles your file from A to Z: tax clearance certificate (quitus fiscal), certificate of conformity, French registration.

✅ Mandatory documents:

1. ORIGINAL foreign registration certificate

The original foreign registration certificate is mandatory.

2. ORIGINAL bill of sale or purchase invoice

ORIGINAL declaration of assignment (neither scanned nor photo) and WITHOUT CROSS-OUTS or CORRECTION FLUID, or vehicle purchase invoice.

3. History of all purchase invoices

Complete history of purchase invoices in order to trace back to the holder of the foreign registration certificate.

4. Tax Clearance Certificate (Quitus Fiscal)

Copy of the quitus fiscal (or just the quitus number) issued by the main tax office confirming that VAT has been paid in France.

For a vehicle acquired outside the EU: Provide the original Cerfa 846A form instead.

5. ORIGINAL European Certificate of Conformity (COC)

Original European Certificate of Conformity (COC) (document without the red cross-out).

6. ORIGINAL application for a registration certificate

Cerfa 13750 form completed, dated, and signed by the applicant (same name as on the bill of sale). If there is a co-holder, their name and signature must appear.

7. Technical inspection certificate less than 6 months old

Technical inspection report less than 6 months old (or less than 2 months old in case of a follow-up inspection). Caravans, trailers, and agricultural machinery are not concerned.

Important: The date the file is entered is taken into account, not the order date!

8. Front/back copy of identity document

Front/back copy of a valid identity card or passport, or residence permit (same address as the registration certificate).

9. Proof of address less than 6 months old

Electricity, gas, water, telephone, Internet bill, latest tax notice, rent receipt (RCS agency), or home insurance certificate.

10. ORIGINAL mandate (power of attorney)

The original mandate (Cerfa 13757*03), duly completed, authorizes us to carry out the procedure on your behalf. The VIN number corresponds to box 'E' on your registration certificate.

11. French insurance certificate

Valid insurance certificate for the insured vehicle.

12. Front/back copy of driving license

Front/back copy of a valid driving license or temporary document establishing driving rights.

🚀 Save Time with Cartegrisefrancaise.fr

Importing a vehicle is complex. Our team of specialized experts supports you at every step: tax clearance certificate, COC, invoice history, registration.

• ✅ Full verification of all your documents
• ✅ Help obtaining the tax clearance certificate
• ✅ Verification of the Certificate of Conformity (COC)
• ✅ Error-free file preparation
• ✅ Real-time tracking
• ✅ Personalized assistance 7/7

✅ Mandatory documents (legal entity):

Documents 1 to 7 are identical to those for individuals, plus:

8. Kbis extract

Copy of a KBIS extract less than 1 year old or, failing that, a Sirene directory situation notice.

9. Identity document of the director

Front/back copy of a valid identity card (or passport) of the director.

10. ORIGINAL mandate

The original mandate (Cerfa 13757*03) duly completed.

11. French insurance certificate

Valid insurance certificate for the vehicle.

🇪🇺 Vehicle imported from the European Union:

• 📝 Mandatory tax clearance certificate (quitus fiscal) (or quitus number)
• 📄 Issued by the main tax office
• ✅ Certifies that VAT has been paid in France

🌎 Vehicle acquired outside the EU:

• 📝 Original Cerfa 846A form (customs document)
• 📦 Replaces the tax clearance certificate
• 💰 Customs duties and VAT to be expected

Need time to prepare all your documents? Don't panic! We offer the Provisional WW Certificate which allows you to drive legally for 4 months while awaiting your definitive registration certificate.

✅ Advantages of the Provisional WW Certificate:

• 🚗 Drive legally for 4 months
• ⚡ Issued within 24-48 hours
• 📄 Fewer documents required than for definitive registration
• 🔄 Renewable once (2x2 months)
• ✅ Valid in France and abroad (depending on the country's agreement)

Get my Provisional WW Certificate

Average processing time: Registering an imported vehicle takes an average of 4 to 6 weeks, sometimes longer depending on the complexity of the file.

Factors affecting the delay:

• Obtaining the tax clearance certificate (can take several weeks)
• Completeness of the file
• Time of year
• Origin of the vehicle (EU vs. non-EU)

💡 Quick solution: To drive in the meantime, request a Provisional WW Certificate (issued within 24-48 hours) valid for 4 months.

• Scanned or photo bill of sale: The ORIGINAL is mandatory
• Cross-outs or correction fluid on documents: Documents automatically refused
• Incomplete invoice history: Impossible to trace back to the foreign holder
• Missing tax clearance certificate: Blocks the entire procedure (EU vehicle)
• COC with red cross-out: The certificate of conformity must be without a red cross-out
• Expired technical inspection: Must be less than 6 months old on the date of submission
• Confusing EU and non-EU: Different documents (quitus vs. 846A)

Importing a vehicle is one of the most complex procedures for vehicle registration. Some approved professionals even refuse to handle these cases.

✅ At Cartegrisefrancaise.fr:

• ✅ Import specialists: We handle these complex cases
• ✅ Tax clearance certificate support: We guide you in obtaining it
  
• ✅ Invoice history: We verify complete traceability
• ✅ Provisional WW Certificate available: To drive quickly in the meantime

🎯 Simplify Your Import

Don't waste time with a complex procedure. Entrust your import file to our specialized experts.

• ✅ EU and non-EU import expertise
• ✅ Tax clearance certificate assistance
  
• ✅ 100% online process
• ✅ Provisional WW Certificate available (24-48h)
• ✅ Free customer support

What is the difference between an EU and non-EU vehicle?

EU Vehicle: Mandatory tax clearance certificate (VAT paid in France)
Non-EU Vehicle: Cerfa 846A (customs document) + customs duties and VAT

Can I use a scanned copy of the bill of sale?

No. The bill of sale must be ORIGINAL (neither scanned nor photo) and without cross-outs or correction fluid.

What is the Certificate of Conformity (COC)?

It is a document issued by the manufacturer certifying that the vehicle complies with European standards. It must be original and without a red cross-out.

How long does it take to get my imported vehicle registration?

Allow an average of 4 to 6 weeks, or more depending on complexity. To drive quickly, request a Provisional WW Certificate (issued within 24-48 hours).

Why is the invoice history necessary?

It allows to trace back to the holder of the foreign registration certificate and prove the vehicle's traceability. Without this history, the file will be refused.